Boxer Fatuma Zarika jets off to UK for training

Kenya Reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight champion, Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika has left Kenya for the UK to prepare for her eagerly awaited rematch bout with Zambia’s Catherine Phiri slated for March 23, 2019.

The two boxers who last fought in Kenya on December 2, 2017 are scheduled to fight again in Nairobi in a fight night event that will also feature celebrated Tanzanian Super Welterweight boxer Hassan Mwakinyo.

Zarika who left Kenya ON Tuesday night said she will employ new skills to counter Phiri. “My previous match against Catherine was hard, so I expect a tougher match this time round,” said Zarika.

Zarika and Mwakinyo will both be in the UK for training until March 16, courtesy of their sponsor, leading gaming firm SportPesa. Mwakinyo is scheduled to arrive in the UK by early next week.

They will be trained by a different set of trainers within the same gym in Liverpool, UK. Mwakinyo’s opponent will be determined later.

While in the UK the boxing duo will also get a chance to be mentored and trained by British boxer Tony Bellew.

SportPesa Chief Marketing Officer Kelvin Twissa urged Mwakinyo and Zarika to use the valuable opportunity to polish their skills further.

“These are two very talented boxers and as SportPesa we wish them well. We have put a lot of resources behind them to ensure that they will get back from the UK ready for their matches,” Twissa said.

Twissa urged East Africans to throw their weight behind the two and prepare to turn up in large numbers in Nairobi for the biggest annual boxing event.

Venue for the Nairobi Fight Night will be announced later.